When the Nets drafted Kessler Edwards with the Forty fourth-overall choose final July, the Pepperdine product knew it will be a problem to seek out minutes with the workforce’s veteran roster.
It took a while, however Edwards has discovered his function as a 3-and-D wing and he’s starting to excel in it, too, at a time when the Nets definitely want the assistance.
“It’s simply been actually enjoyable, an extended journey stuffed with surprises,” Edwards mentioned after recording 16 factors and 6 rebounds within the Nets’ win over the Pelicans on Saturday. “Don’t actually know what to anticipate. I’m lastly beginning to get right into a rhythm, realizing what to do, what’s going to occur and stuff like that.”
Edwards, enjoying on a two-way contract, began his third straight recreation Saturday and will proceed to crack the beginning lineup with the best way he has performed. That’s particularly the case after the Nets misplaced Kevin Durant to a sprained MCL for probably the subsequent month-plus and Joe Harris stays sidelined after November ankle surgical procedure.
The 21-year-old Edwards acquired his first actual shot at massive minutes through the Nets’ COVID-19 outbreak final month. General, the 6-foot-8 ahead is capturing 41.7 p.c from deep and has delivered a strong defensive presence in 11 video games.
“We all know that he shot the ball effectively in faculty [a 39.5 percent 3-point shooter],” coach Steve Nash mentioned. “It looks like he’s refined his mechanics. That’s what my eye says. It had fairly a pronounced movement to it and now he appears to have actually streamlined the movement and brought a variety of that out. Most significantly, he appears to be like assured.”
Edwards is simply one of many Nets rookies that has damaged out of late, as Day’Ron Sharpe, Cam Thomas and David Duke Jr. have all added encouraging performances.
“Looks like we’re caught collectively since summer season league,” Edwards mentioned. “Been on Lengthy Island [in the G-League], been in every single place collectively. I’m simply pleased with all of us and it’s good to see all of us being profitable, having an influence on this workforce.”
Patty Mills chipped in 21 factors Saturday for the second straight recreation after a tough seven-game stretch by which he averaged simply 6.7 factors on 28.3 p.c capturing from the sector. Nash gave him Thursday’s recreation off to relaxation however he got here again Saturday trying sharp.
“He missed a recreation, which was good,” Nash mentioned. “I believe that's actually necessary, attempt to give him a bit of little bit of aid as a result of he’s been enjoying so onerous for us this yr, so I believe that helps.”
LaMarcus Aldridge is possible to play Monday towards the Cavaliers after lacking the final 5 video games with proper foot soreness.
Nic Claxton (left hamstring tightness) is questionable whereas James Johnson (non-COVID sickness) and Paul Millsap (private causes) are out.
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